Pride of NZ: Justin Beaumont 'shocked' at nomination

Whakatane's Justin Beaumont has been nominated for a community spirit award. Photo / Katee Shanks

Hundreds of Kiwis have been nominated by their communities for showing exceptional generosity, drive and courage in the annual Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Whakatane's Justin Beaumont is one of those people.

The awards, sponsored by the New Zealand Herald, TSB Bank and The Hits, have six categories - Bravery & Heroism, Community Spirit, Fundraiser of the Year, Emergency Services, Environment and Lifetime Achievement. Readers can vote for the TSB Bank People's Choice Award once regional winners are announced in August. National winners will be named in September.

Through his love of gardening, horse riding and the support he has for the Whakatane Ostomy Society, Mr Beaumont has given his time to spread the message about the organisations he believes in.

On the committee of the Whakatane Community Garden, Mr Beaumont is at the King St premises a minimum of five days a week. He became part of the Whakatane Ostomy Society after losing his bowel. He embraced the situation, becoming a valuable member.

His involvement with Riding for the Disabled began when he was at school, and Mr Beaumont continues to be an active committee member. More recently, he has been putting his time into ensuring Riding for the Disabled has the funds it requires to keep going.

"As well as fundraising, I also teach people how to side walk and lead the horses."

He is often stopped on the street by people wanting to know more about one of the three organisations he dedicates his days to.

When told about the community spirit nomination for the Pride of NZ Awards, he said he was shocked.

"All of the things I do, I do because I love doing them.

"It's pretty awesome to think someone believes I should be recognised for doing what I love," he said.

-Nominations are now closed.